1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.29/5 Average
101 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Pontiac redesigns the Grand Prix for 1997, giving buyers slick new styling, a longer and wider wheelbase and supercharged V6 power on GTP models. Traction control, antilock brakes, dual airbags and side-impact protection are standard. Optional is a built-in child safety seat.

Pros:
  • Styling, performance, standard dual airbags, standard anti-lock brakes, standard traction control
Cons:
  • No traction control when GTP Package is ordered. Base engine could use more oomph.

User Reviews:

Showing 71 through 80 of 101.00
  • A bad bitty - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    I owned a 79 trans am for a while until an one day the car desided to blow up, literally. So I went into the market for a car, and found the GTP. I didnt think that a Grand Prix could take off like that. Coming from a tire eating monster I thought I would have been disappointed. I was wrong, this Pontiac hauls. And I love the mileage Im getting.

  • And I paid money for this? - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    This is a fun car to drive when it runs. That is key. The car has stalled on me numerous times while driving, coasting, or waiting at a stop light. Other times, it simply wont start. I cannot count how many times the grand prix left me stranded. If you purchase this car, be sure to have a cell phone handy to call friends/family for a ride. Mechanics say that it is fine, but problem persists. Electrical problems abound. I will definitely do my homework before my next car purchase. When I do, quality and reliability will be at the top of my list. This car seriously lacks both. There is no worse feeling than not knowing if your car will take you from A to B without any trouble

  • More Maintenance - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    Im back! Since May 2002 heres whats happened: 78k - drivers power window motor went ($100, self-installed), bearing in HVAC fan started going and fan failed ($95, self-installed), gas mileage has dropped off to 20 mpg on 60:40 highway:city; 79k - passenger- side power door lock actuator (the "motor") failed ($50, self- installed). It still leaks about a 1/2 quart of oil every fill up but I still enjoy riding it. The parts are cheaper than a monthly car payment, but if you dont like the hassle, I wouldnt recommend a Grand Prix.

  • peace of junk - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    under warranty 2 radios, 1 set of spark plug wires, water pump, 2 altenators, 1 battery out of warranty 1 battery, the altenator twice (the first replacement was warranteed)1 PS pump, 2 steering racks, the engine and transmission pan gaskets are leaking and the auto-dim rear view mirror is delaminating. GM will not help with any of the out of warranty repairs.

  • Seven-Year Review - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    My 1997 SE sedan has 85K miles and other than annoying radio/clock display failures, I am amazed that I have had no structural or mechanical issues. None. Gas mileage hovers around 22MPG mixed city/highway. My 3.8-litre engine purrs and still has getup when I need it, even with AC cranked. Transmission still works smoothly thru the gears. The tan cloth upholstery fabric hasnt held up all that well, and the interior ceiling fabric is pulling away along the top of the rear window. Bottom line: Ive been car payment free for over two years and still have a reliable and reasonably good-looking ride. Until any serious difficulties arise, Ill just keep banking those potential payments.

  • My New Baby - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    This is the best car i will ever own and it is so fast. the handling is just amazing. And the are so many customizations that look great on the car. Rims, hood, spoiler, all of it looks great.

  • Red 97 GT - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    I bought it used August 1, 2003 with 116k I have only had it 5 months and now it has 122k..I like it so far I traded a 92GP for it and it was a reliable car so I decided to stay with a GP. I like the handling and the gas mileage but the window motor makes me mad because it takes for ever to roll the window up GM needed to put a better window motor in it. the oil pan leaked so I had to change the gasket and it hasnt leaked since then. It is a little rough on bumpy roads.Over all I really like the car.

  • Alternators3 - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    The alternator has been replaced three times( the first two by GM, and the third one by me). Each time the alternator was replaced, I had another electricial problem some place else(The radio , the amp and the light replay switch). GM needs to fix the alternator problem(it may be the location of the unit or the quality of the unit itself). make sure you go to a shop thath will replace the unit as long as you owns the cars.

  • I love my CAR - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    I am the original owner of this car and still am in love with its performance and look. I will always wish I could have afforded the GTP, but thats in the past. I was hit from behind at 55 mph and had minor damage and no injuries several years ago, other cars behind me (Honda and Mazda) were totalled! I havent cared for the car like I should, and have just now started to have some problems at 91,000 miles. Needs AC replaced, and just replaced fuel tank. But hey, I havent had a car payment in over 5 years! Interior is still beautiful except carpet on driver side is wearing down.

  • Ignition Key Removal - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
    By -

    I have been having problems removing the ingition key. The problem turned out to be a faulty switch on the shift lever. The switch was a part of the gear lever and could not be replaced independently. This problem has a $425 price tag to repair. I was told it was a problem that is common but there is no bulletin or recall. Something like a switch should be designed to be replaces on its own and not as a part of a complete assembly. Automobile repair costs are a;ready high and a design like this is just another reason to look at Japanese Imports.

Pontiac Grand Prix Reviews By Year:
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